TO: Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
Executive
Malisa Files
425-556-2166
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
Executive
Jan Harrison
Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Manager
TITLE:
title
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Program Update
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Per Council's request, this report contains an informational update on DEI priorities and activities to date.
body
? Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
? Receive Information ? Provide Direction ? Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
* Relevant Plans/Policies:
Redmond Community Strategic Plan
* Required:
N/A
* Council Request:
Council requested update on DEI activities during 2023-2024 budget process. DEI Quarterly Updates are a part of the Public Safety and Human Services Committee of the Whole workplan.
* Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
Attachment A outlines activities to date and current programs in process.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
* Timeline (previous or planned):
2021-23 Internal and External DEI Assessment, Respect, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (R.E.D.I.) training and listening sessions, and Annual Community Survey.
* Outreach Methods and Results:
The February 2023, external assessment revealed five drivers of inclusion listed below:
> Cost of living and affordability, with a growing population of individuals struggling to make ends meet.
> Bias enforcement by the police and the need for more sensitivity training for law enforcement.
> Inadequate support for marginalized groups, including the homeless, low-income residents, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities.
> Lack of representation and diversity in city leadership and decision-making processes.
> Need for more programs, services, and opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds, including language and cultural heritage, LGBTQ+ community, and neurodiverse chil...
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